Hardeeville zoning board approves tattoo shop

The Hardeeville Board of Zoning Appeals on Wednesday unanimously approved a request from Jonathan Rivera to open a tattoo, piercings, apparel and accessory store in Argent Square along Whyte Hardee Boulevard.

South Carolina law requires every city to hold a public hearing before a tattoo shop can open. At Wednesday’s hearing, Rivera outlined his plans and received feedback from the board and public.

Dexter Lease, who lives behind Argent Square, said he was concerned about whether noise was going to be an issue.

Rivera assured Lease and the board that his business would be a family-friendly shop that adheres to city ordinances. He wants to be open at least six days a week and operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“The next step is he will have to go through the zoning permit process and inspections,” Brana Snowden, planning director said. “The special exception was approved with the condition that we research the surrounding business hours and he must comply with those hours.”

As an account executive for La Isla magazine in Hilton Head, Rivera said he decided to open up shop in because Hardeeville continues to expand.

“I wanted to get in and get to know the neighbors before things got too big and complicated,” he said. “I have a good friend who leases the property. We will accommodate everyone. I wanted to open something different, yet classy.”

The zoning board members are appointed by City Council. Its members include: Chairperson Joe McCue, vice chairperson Carolyn Kassel and members Mack Thomas, Sister Lupe Stump and Jon Richards.

The board was adamant about the hours of operation. Stump made a motion that the tattoo, piercings, accessory and apparel store be approved, but with the condition that the hours are consistent with the other businesses in Argent Square.